Unicorn Books and Gifts

The Essence

Unicorn Books and Gifts is more than just a store. We promote a healthy, productive lifestyle centered around yoga, meditation, minimalism and a plant based diet. Here you will find resources and recommendations we support.

Yoga

Meditation

Meditation

Meditation has so many advantages. It promotes focus and relieves stress. Meditation is becoming more main stream as people are finding the benefits. Practicing meditation is not as difficult as one may think. Here are a few ways to learn to practice meditation:

Beginner Meditation:Find a quiet space where you won't be disturbed. Sit in a comfortable chair with your feet flat on the floor (not crossed)Place your hands on your knees or relaxed in your lap.Set a timer for 5 minutes.Begin breathing just a bit deeper and keep your mind focused on breathing. How it feels, where it goes in your body. Anytime your mind wanders, just focus on your breathing. Stop when the timer goes off. Do this each day for a few days.After a few days or more, when 5 minutes doesn't seem to be enough, increase the timer to 10 minutes. Then to 20 minutes.​Meditating for 20 minutes a day will change your life.

Recommended Books and Music for Meditation

Yoga

Yoga began as a spiritual practice in ancient India. The most common form in the U.S., Hatha Yoga, was developed as a way to prepare the body to to be able to sit still in meditation for long periods of time. Modern yoga comes in many forms and with as many disciplines as teachers. The practice of Yoga helps balance the body by stretching and building strength, discipline and focus. The health benefits of yoga, especially combined with meditation include improved mental health, physical strength, posture and lower blood pressure as well as many other improvements to the length and quality of life.

Minimalism

Minimalism is not about getting rid of everything you own. It is a personal journey to remove the "clutter" and pare down to what is essential for health, happiness and a more meaningful life. We hope you find the information we recommend helpful and interesting. There is no one right way for minimalism.

Recommended Reading for Minimalism

Plant Based Diet

Eating a plant based diet, consisting of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds has been found to have extensive health benefits. Eliminating all processed foods as well as dairy and meat can reduce the intake of saturated fats and processed sugars and other chemicals known to be harmful to the body. We promote a plant based nutrition plan, however you should always do your research and find out if this way of eating is right for you. You are responsible for your own health.

While it's better to buy and eat organic foods, sometimes budget can be an issue. However there are ways to maximize the benefits and minimize the drain on your pockets. We do consider eating high quality, organic food as an investment in caring for the only body we have in our lifetime. Here are a few links to websites that will help you along your journey.